Laura Sharman 17 October 2017

Supported housing cap falls short of actual costs warn charity

Government plans to cap benefits for those in supported housing could fall short of actual costs by £80 a week, new research has shown.

Rethink Mental Illness has examined how the proposed cap would affect people with mental illness living in supported housing. It found that in some cases the Government’s estimates were £80 a week lower than the real cost.

The charity warns this will force local authorities to provide a local 'top up' fund to vulnerable people and cause a significant hardship for those in need of the highest level of support.

It is calling on the Government to drop the proposed cap and instead find a funding model that’s ‘fit for purpose’.

Brian Dow, director of external affairs at Rethink Mental Illness, said; ‘The future of supported housing is in serious doubt because of Government plans to radically change how it’s funded. Our new research demonstrates that under existing plans, those with the highest support plans will no longer have the guarantee of their rent being met by housing benefit.

‘This could spell disaster for people with mental illness and the pubic services that support them.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

KS2 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
KS2 Class Teacher   M1 – M6     £31,650 - £43,607 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2026  The head Bowburn
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 - £43,693
The Role We are seeking Deputy Managers who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 pro rata
Are you a child and family social worker with 5 years of post-qualifying experience looking for the next step of your career?   What is Involved? As a Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
Class Teacher M1-M6  £31,650 - £43,607 Full time, whole time Temporary – required from 2nd September 2025 until August 2026 The governors of Escomb P Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,968 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner